Joe McDonagh Cup champions Offaly are set to take on Cork this weekend as the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship begins its preliminary quarter-finals. Here's everything you need to know about Offaly v Cork.
For the Faithful County, they'll be hoping to continue what has been a fantastic campaign so far this year. After four wins and a loss in the Joe McDonagh Cup round-robins, Johnny Kelly's side finished second in the table and qualified for the final.
Offaly would face up against their neighbours Laois in the final, where goals from Brian Duignan and Oisín Kelly would give the Faithful County a 2-23 to 0-26 win alongside promotion back to the Leinster championship for the first time since 2018. The win comes alongside the u-20 team winning the All-Ireland title.
GAA president Jarlath Burns hands over the Joe McDonagh cup to @Offaly_GAA captain Jason Sampson, who paid tribute to the "unbelievable passion" shown by manager Johnny Kelly and the "strong core" support that follows the team #rtegaa #joemcdonaghcup #hurling pic.twitter.com/FDn7SZrmiH
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 8, 2024
READ HERE: Neil McManus Calls For Joe McDonagh Cup Change To Help Smaller Counties
In Cork's case, they will be looking to continue what has been a promising campaign for them so far. Pat Ryan's team came third in the Munster championship standings despite starting off their campaign with one-score losses to Waterford and Clare. In round three, Cork would bounce back and beat Limerick 3-28 to 3-26 in a memorable back-and-forth game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
A 4-30 to 1-21 demolition of Tipperary at Semple Stadium followed in round four which secured Cork's place in the preliminary quarter-final.
In their division 1A match-up in March, Alan Connolly would score a hat-trick of goals as Cork would annihilate Offaly 5-26 to 0-16. The winners of this match will face Dublin in the quarter-final.
When is Offaly v Cork?
Offaly are set to face Cork this Saturday June 15th in Glensik O'Connor Park in Tullamore with throw-in scheduled for 5:15pm
How can I watch Offaly v Cork?
The match will be broadcast globally on GAAGO with coverage getting underway at 5pm.
Team News
Pat Ryan has named two changes to the side that beat Tipperary last time out. Ciarán Joyce comes into midfield in place of Ethan Twomey, while Conor Lehane comes into the half-forward line in place of Séamus Harnedy.
Johnny Kelly has made two changes to the team which won the Joe McDonagh Cup final. Ross Ravenhill and Oisin Kelly come into the side in place of Eimhin Kelly and Adam Screeney.
U20 star Screeney drops out of the matchday 26 entirely.
𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙄𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙮-𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝘼𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩
Johnny Kelly has named his team that will play Cork in the All-Ireland senior hurling championship preliminary quarter final@Offaly_GAA
v@OfficialCorkGAA
Saturday 15th… pic.twitter.com/PAbNxFLbUw— Official Offaly GAA (@Offaly_GAA) June 14, 2024
